Dorsal Root Ganglion Block

(Paravertebral Block)

Dorsal Root Ganglion Block surgery is used to treat a collection of nerve cells which are located either side of the spine. These nerves carry impulses from muscles and other parts of the body to the spinal cord and from there to the brain. When these nerves become inflamed they can give rise to pain.

Performing a dorsal root ganglion block may help to alleviate the pain. As with any procedure there may be some temporary discomfort at the site of the injection. There may also be less common complications including:

Allergic reaction to medications used

Leg numbness or weakness

Nerve damage

Infection (rare)

Arranging your Treatment

Before going ahead with this treatment, you will need to have an initial consultation with a specialist Consultant to go through your medical history and diagnosis. At this appointment, your consultant will confirm the exact treatment you require.

If you would like to have an initial consultation, you can call us and we can help you find the best consultant for you to see.

Paying for your Treatment

You can be treated at KIMS by using your private medical insurance or by paying for yourself.

If you have private medical insurance, you will need to contact your insurer to ensure you are covered for the initial consultation prior to making an appointment and obtain an authorisation number. The insurance company will then need to be advised if you require further treatment. The insurance company usually settles bills on your behalf.

If you are paying for your own treatment, you will need to pay for an initial consultation. This will be confirmed at the time of booking but is typically £150-£250. You will also need to pay for any associated diagnostic tests your consultant recommends (for example x-rays and blood tests).

Following this consultation, if you don’t need any further treatment or if you decide paying for yourself isn’t the right option, there is no commitment to proceed further.

If you require the operation or procedure to be carried out, you will receive a quote for your treatment. This quote is also subject to pre-assessment checks prior to your admission to hospital.

Payment is required 7 days prior to admission.

For more information, call our Reservations team on 01622 237727 or email reservations@kims.org.uk.

Prices

The table below shows the approximate price for this treatment, which may vary depending on your individual case (see what’s included below).

Patient Pathway

Initial Consultation

Diagnostic Investigations

Main Treatment

Post-discharge Care

Guide Price

Hospital Fees

n/a

n/a

£1,700

Included

£1,700

Consultant Fees

£200

n/a

Included above

Included

£200

Guide Price

£200

Nil

£1,700

Nil

£1,900

What’s Included

The fixed price package above includes all the costs associated with this treatment at KIMS Hospital.

You will be given a quote prior to admission to confirm this cost. The amount you are quoted may differ from the published price for a number of reasons:

The Consultant you choose

Your medical history and whether you have any associated medical conditions which may impact this treatment

The type of anaesthetic your Consultant advises is best for you

The type of implant or drug you choose or your Consultant advises is best for you

In some cases, if you have certain pre-existing medical conditions, it may not be possible to provide you with a fixed price for your Main Treatment. If this is the case, the hospital will discuss the available options with you. Your quote is also subject to pre-assessment checks prior to your admission to hospital.

A Dorsal Root Ganglion Block is a day case procedure that is carried out under local anaesthetic and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The procedure is carried out under x-ray screening. The team will help you get into the correct position (lying on your stomach). An antiseptic solution, which may feel very cold, will be used to clean your back. A local anaesthetic will be inserted to numb the insertion area.

It is important that you keep still during the procedure as the needle will be accurately inserted. Dye will be injected so that the location of the needle can be clearly seen on an x-ray. Local anaesthetic and steroid will then be injected into your dorsal root ganglion to ease the pain and reduce inflammation.

Once the procedure has been completed you will be taken back to the day case unit where you will recover before being allowed home. Please ensure that you have arranged for someone to drive you home.

There can be an initial exacerbation of discomfort before you start experiencing the pain relief. During this period, you may need to increase your pain killers which your consultant will discuss with you before leaving the hospital.